Blair failed to save Labour from itself, so how can anyone else?

Tony Blair is at it again. With Labour members currently pondering who should replace Jeremy Corbyn, the party’s most electorally successful living leader once more decided to give them the benefit of his experience, whether they wanted it or not. This time it took the form of a history lesson: to mark the party’s 120^th anniversary he gave a lecture on what it takes for the party to regain power. But should we listen to what Blair has to say?

For keen Blair-watchers this address contained no surprises: he has been saying much the same things since becoming Labour leader in 1994. As ever, Blair’s starting point was the pathetically small number of times Labour has ever won power. His explanation for this sorry record was the party’s inherent desire to talk to itself and follow a narrow left-wing path rather than listen to ordinary people’s concerns and secure the centre ground of politics.